Erling Haaland made a strong impression at the World Cup by scoring two goals in the first half as Norway started their 2026 campaign with a 4-1 win over Iraq at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night.
Haaland became the first Norwegian player to score two goals on his World Cup debut.
The Manchester City striker was playing in his first World Cup match after Norway returned to the finals for the first time since 1998. He scored the opening goal in the 29th minute, finishing a low cross cleanly for his first-ever World Cup goal.
Iraq fought back well and equalized just before halftime. Captain Aymen Hussein headed the ball in during the 39th minute to make the score 1-1.
Haaland wasn’t finished, though. Just four minutes later, in the 43rd minute, he scored again to put Norway back in front at 2-1 sending the vocal Norwegian support into raptures.
In the second half, Norway stayed in control. Leo Østigård headed in a goal from a corner in the 76th minute to make it 3-1. Late in stoppage time, an own goal by Aymen Hussein completed the 4-1 scoreline.
Norway played well throughout and looked organized, with Martin Ødegaard controlling play in midfield. Iraq had some good moments going forward but couldn’t keep up with Norway’s attack.
The win gives Norway a strong start in Group I. They will next face Senegal on June 22, while Iraq play France on the same day.
